Mathis' Meowlings

Celebrating 12 Years With My Meowmy

Today is my 12th Gotcha Day anniversary.

Twelve years ago today was an unusually hot autumn day in southern California, so meowmy went outside to water some plants. That’s when she spotted me under a rosebush. I was very skinny and had sunken eyes. Meowmy immediately put out some food and water for me. For the next 3 weeks, I kept coming back and meowmy fed me. But when November came, it started getting cold. She could see that I was shivering out there—even during the day. So on November 15th, meowmy trapped me and brought me into her playroom. She began getting me medical care for an upper respiratory tract infection and ear mites. I began to feel better and better, and in January 1998, I finally figured out that meowmy was my friend. I am devoted and grateful to my meowmy, and she loves me.

I have had some medical issues over the years. First of all, I have epilepsy. Then I had some lung problems caused by my first anti-seizure drug. This past August, my checkup showed that I’m in the earliest stage of diminished kidney function, and a couple weeks ago, I had an isolated episode of dizziness. Fortunately, I am now doing well again. I may be meowmy’s “wuss puss,” but I have a strong will to survive. I love my meowmy, and I have a lot to live for.

So today is my 12th Gotcha Day, and we are celebrating my life at my house. Each day is a gift, and our Catster friends are blessings. Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

P.S. We are sending lots of purrs to Calvin and Stinky. We love you!

Daily Diary Pick!

Wow! I’m a Daily Diary Pick today! Thank you Catster HQ for this honor!

It has been a lovely day. A number of sweet kitties came by to see me. Thank you for all the presents and well wishes. It has been over a week since my vertigo episode, and I have had no further problems since then. It warms my heart to know that so many Catsters care about me. Your friendship means more than you can know. Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

More Questions Than Answers

First of all, I want you to know that I seem to be back to normal. I would like to thank all the beautiful kitties who have been purring for me, and I thank the families of Orkney and Jolan for the Power of the Paw rosettes. Your love and concern mean a lot to me.

Although I seem to be fine now, we do not know what caused my vertigo, balance problems and quivering eyes. Meowmy was immediately concerned about a stroke, but fortunately that was not the case. A second concern was seizure. After all, I do have epilepsy, and I used to have horrible grand mal seizures when I was young. Since being on phenobarbital, I have been seizure-free for 9 1/2 years. Meowmy was concerned about me suddenly having break-through seizures, but this episode lasted much longer than any of my previous seizures. Another explanation for my symptoms is some sort of inner ear problem. Or there may some other neurological issues besides seizures. You see, I have never been a very coordinated cat. My balance, eye tracking and eye reflexes are not as good as most kitties’. When meowmy found me almost 12 years ago, I was so emaciated, weak and unhealthy, that it’s hard to know what all is going on with me.

We are hoping this was just an isolated incident, but meowmy is keeping a close eye on me. Meowmy and I had a lovely cuddle session this morning, and I purred a lot. This is a good sign, because I don’t purr if I’m not feeling well. (See my diary entry: “The Gift of a Purr.”) I’m looking forward to my 12-year Gotcha Day celebration on October 24th. After such a rough start in life, meowmy never expected to have me this long. We know that every day is precious. I am thankful to be back to my “normal” self, and I am grateful for the love of my family and all my caring friends on Catster. Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

Meowmy Is Worried About Me

Meowmy is worried about me. She took me to the emergency vet today. About 11:30 this morning, I couldn’t stand or walk straight. I kept falling over to one side. Also, meowmy says my eyes were quivering. The vet kept me for observation & tests. The tests showed nothing wrong, so I got to come home this evening. Meowmy says I’m acting normally again, but I’m still a bit tipsy in tricky situations. Meowmy is keeping an eye on me. She is worried about me.

Mathis der Meowler

Meowmy Woofed at Me!

Meowmy woofed at me (in her sleep).

I love my meowmy, and she loves me. I like to sleep right next to her at night. This morning I was curled up by meowmy's face, and she was sleeping on her side with her arms cradling me. About the time the sun was coming up, meowmy was having a dream. She dreamt that she was jogging on the campus of California State University Northridge and ended up at the intersection of Nordhoff St. and Lindley Ave. As she was waiting for the traffic signal to change, a mid-sized animal came out from under a bush and confronted her. For several moments it was a standoff. Meowmy couldn’t get the creature to back off, so she barked at it like a dog. However in reality, she barked out loud—waking me as well as herself. I was immediately at attention and staring at her. When meowmy realized she had woofed at me, she started to giggle and gave me lots of reassuring cuddles. My meowmy loves me, and I love her.

Purrs,
Mathis der Meowler

Zack (August 15, 1995—May 16, 2009)

Zack was a good friend, mentor and “big bro” to me. When I first saw Zack on Catster, I was immediately attracted to his handsome silver-gray face. (I am partial to gray kitties!) Then I found out that Zack suffered from occasional seizures—just as I did when I was younger. At that moment, I knew we were destined to become special friends. And friends we became. I looked up to Zack as a role model and caring brother. Zack watched out for me in life, and now he is watching over me from the Rainbow Bridge. I miss you my buddy. I love you Zack.

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

Hurricane Pets Rescue Needs Our Help!

Dear readers of my diary,

Hurricane Pets Rescue needs our help to stay alive. Perhaps you remember that HPR was the group that helped save Aldo and Noelle. I hope that you will join the Hurricane Pets Rescue Catster Group as well as donate to the Hurricane Pets Rescue March Fundraiser. The lives of many kitties and doggies are at stake.

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

Happy Valentine's Day Meowmy!

There is a saying comparing dogs and cats that goes like this:

Dog’s view—
She feeds me, she takes care of me, she loves me; therefore she must be a god.

Cat’s view—
She feeds me, she takes care of me, she loves me; therefore I must be a god.

Well, this adage may apply to all my furblings, but it does not pertain to me! You see, I am a humble kitty. I am grateful to my meowmy for rescuing me when I was starving and weak. When I used to have grand mal seizures, meowmy was by my side watching over me until I regained consciousness. When I had breathing problems, meowmy was always patient with me. And now in times of good health, my meowmy is always gentle with me. My meowmy loves me and protects me, and for that I love her.

Happy Valentine’s Day Meowmy!

Purrs,
Mathis der Meowler

Cat of the Day!

Life is good! I started out the morning with a wonderful cuddle in bed with my Meowmy. She had the day off, so we had time for a leisurely snuggle. Then we got up and found out that I had been named Cat of the Day! OMC! Thank you Catster for this high honor!

This is truly an exciting day! Many friends have come by to see me and have given me presents or sent paw mails! I have also met some new beautiful kitties today! Over the past year and a half, I have made some cherished, supportive friends on Catster. Thank you to you all for the love and care that you give!

The outpouring of gifts and praise has been almost overwhelming! I would like to thank all of you who stopped by to congratulate me on this special day! Here are the fabulous friends who helped me celebrate!

Boogers (rainbow star), Wally, Sir Alfie, Nikki, Sydney Rose, TeddyBearz & Wally Angel (diamond), Zack, Harry, Riley, Jack, Enzo Furrari, Hannah, Stinky, Sophie, Xerox, Angus MacFangus, Annabelle, Cary, Kate, Queso, Copy, Sissy, Wally, Lily, Ivy, Charlie, Matilda, Bubba, Pete, Emme, Violet, Claire, Kira, DC, Lucy, Griffin, Larke & Dalton (2 diamonds), Sampson, Teddy & Sir Nigel (diamond), Mouse, Fuzz, Sushi & Sophie (diamond), Hailey (gold star), Snowy, Queenie, Toby, Oupie, Jonty, Rosie, Amelia Rose, Jules Vern Jr., Captain Gizmo & Scottie Squirrel (diamond), Gromit, Hudson & Isis (autumn leaf), Karma Kitty, Charlie Clarence, Punkin Pooh & Bobbi Boi (pie), Smudge (gold cup), Salsa, Ninja, Athene, Mole’, Diva, Cara Mia, Lily, Smudge, Mocha, Java, Valentino, Kismet, Loki, Kachina, Ancho, GP Blakewood Serenade of Xocol, GC Blakewood Puttin’ontheRitz, Jade’s Aurora & Blakewood Nutmeg of Xocol (autumn leaf), Oscar, Friggy, Meshew, Skully, Fred, Prancer-Bob & Frankie (pie), Geneva (cornucopia), Hattie (gold cup), Arnold P. (blue ribbon), Aldo, Tess, O’Malley, Squeaky, Thomas, James Tailer, Miss Jazzie, Zane Gray, Bebe, Sweetie & Theodore (heart), Edgar, Emily Felicity, Gabrielle & Lucinda (turkey leg), Hannah (heart), Dalton (blue ribbon), Alfie & TeddyBearz (sunglasses), Cannoli (Pilgrim hat), Wanda, Norman, Tess, Rupert, Mitchell, Beckie, Fay, Princess, Harvey, Bess, Lewis, Einstein, Mama Kitty, Lilly, Blackie, Patti, Nikki, Frankie, Freddie, Marie, Sunni, Roxanne, Rosie, Bob, Jesse & Babes from Texas (sunglasses), Bondi, Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn, Junior, Frederic Chopin, Anna Magdalena Bach, Andrea Previn, Andantina, Arpeggia, Acceleranda, Allegretta, Adagio, Crescendo & Capella (blue ribbon), Gwendolyn Glingle & Sven (turkey), Pumpkin Puss (turkey leg), Hooch (turkey), Margo, R.K.N. (blue ribbon), Ko, Taz, Jacob, Flinders, Susie, Boots & Orvis (blue ribbon), Miles (turkey), Miracle Paws (blue ribbon), Toffy & Vanessa (blue ribbon), Chelsea Louise (sunglasses), Jobél, Jillian, Jasper & Zoe (football), Sir Sonny Bono (paw mail), Sugarpuss (paw mail), Anna (paw mail), Isabelle Love (paw mail), Mojo (paw mail), Buddie (paw mail), Sable (COTD Forum post)

Thank you to all you Catsters who visited me as Cat of the Day! Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

I've Been Tagged!

I’ve been tagged by someone who hopefully won’t remain nameless! (MOL!)
Update: Dalton is his name!

1. When meowmy found me back in 1997, I was missing 9 of 12 incisors. Since then, I have lost 2 more. Now I have one lone upper front tooth. MOL!

2. This past April, my right lower fang broke off below the gum line. I don’t really miss it.

3. I’m a slob when I eat dry food. Because of my lack of teeth, I have difficulty picking up food. If I get a piece in my mouth wrong, I shake my head and spit it out onto the floor. There tends to be crumbs around every food bowl!

4. I don’t like eating chunky wet food. However, I love the gravy!

5. When meowmy first rescued me, my claws grew quite long. In fact, my dewclaws grew almost all the way around. Meowmy had to gradually clip my claws shorter.

6. My ears get dirty sometimes. When meowmy notices me shaking my head a lot, she cleans my ears with Q-Tips. Boy does it tickle when she cleans my ears, but it feels so much better afterwards!

7. Meowmy thinks I have the cutest round gray ears. She says they make me look like a mouse! MOL!

I tag:
Arwen
Chloe
Flaca
Sheba
Larke

5 Short Stories

I have been tagged by my beautiful green-eyed friend Miss Jazzie to tell 5 fabulous facts about myself! But, since I have already been tagged a couple times, I would like to take this opportunity to tell 5 short stories about myself instead.

The Vacuum
I hate the vacuum! The first time meowmy vacuumed the house after she rescued me, I was so panicked, that I ran and hid in some undisclosed location. All afternoon and evening meowmy kept looking for me and calling me. She was very concerned, because she thought I might have squeezed into the playroom furnace and gotten stuck in the wall. Late that night, Meowmy finally went to bed, crying with worry. At 1:30 a.m. I came out of my hiding place and walked into Meowmy’s room. She was so relieved! Now she locks me in the bedroom or bathroom when she vacuums.

The Toilet
When I was a young kitty, I occasionally got frisky, and I would gallop through the house. On one such occasion, meowmy was practicing her squeaky noises, and I made a loud clamor in the bathroom. Then I staggered into the music room—tripping over myself a couple times. At first meowmy was concerned that I was hurt, but then I just walked away. About 10 minutes later, meowmy took a break and went into the bathroom. That’s when she figured out what really happened. One of her students had left the toilet lid up, and I had done a face-plant into the toilet! You see, since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, it has been policy at our house to keep the toilet lids down, so things don’t fall in during a quake. For me, the toilet had always been a convenient launching pad to the counter. But this time I was in for a shock! Meowmy checked me, and yep, I was all wet!

In Bed
I love my meowmy! So much so, I always want to be with her in bed at night. In the warm months, I sleep next to her on top of the covers. In cool months, I sleep on the sheet by her head, and she cuddles me and sometimes pulls the blankets partially over me. In the really cold months, I often crawl under the covers, where it’s nice and warm. Early one cold morning, I was next to meowmy under the covers, when she made a loud noise. I groaned with disapproval!

The Trip
When meowmy gets out her canvas box with wheels and an extendable handle, we kitties know she is going away for awhile. Every June, meowmy goes to Seattle for about a week, and our grandpaw and grandmaw (meowmy’s pawrents) take care of us. A couple years ago, meowmy took a special trip to Hawaii for some work. Our grandpawrents took care of us, and everything was fine ... until about day 10. My grandmaw started becoming concerned about me, because I was lying around listless and not eating properly. The next few days, she kept an eye on me and was considering taking me to the vet. Much to grandmaw’s surprise, I was fine as soon as meowmy got home from her 2-week trip. I hadn’t been sick at all—I was just moping! I had been worried about my meowmy!

Coming Home
I love my meowmy, and I love my home! In the summer of 2001, my seizure medicine was changed to phenobarbital, because potassium bromide made my lungs sick. It was during this time of transition and medical problems, that meowmy and her pawrents took a 4-day trip up to Washington. Meowmy made arrangements for me to be boarded at the vet and for a cat-sitter to take care of everybody else. When my humans got back from their trip, my grandpawrents wanted to come with meowmy to pick me up. They wanted to see my reaction. Normally I am completely quiet in the car. But not this time! When meowmy came to get me, I knew I was going home! I was so happy! I purred, chirped, trilled and meowed the whole way home!

Will the Tooth Fairy Visit Me Tonight?

Dear Diary,

I just lost a tooth. Meowmy was about to give me my phenobarbital pill, when I flinched, and out popped a tooth. It was my lower right fang. Meowmy was very upset, and she held me and cuddled me for a long time. Meowmy took a good look at the tooth, and she said that what was left of the root did not look strong and healthy. She thinks it was a bad tooth for quite awhile. Meowmy also said she will always keep that tooth as a memento, because she loves me so much.

Hey mom, I'm ready for my dinner!

Purrs,
Mathis der Meowler

Seven Years Seizure-Free!

Dear Diary,

Today is a celebration day for me! I am very lucky! It has been 7 years since my last epileptic seizure! Since I started taking phenobarbital every day, I have been 100% seizure-free! I only wish all my EpileptiCat friends were so lucky. Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

I've Been Tagged Again!

I’ve been tagged again!—this time by Whisper!

Here are 7 random facts about myself:

1. When meowmy first trapped me and started getting me medical attention, she kept me in the playroom, where I could recover. For 2 months used to I wander to the door and windows and yowl, and then one day I suddenly became tame and decided I liked my home.

2. Eight and a half years ago—before I was taking any anti-seizure drugs, meowmy needed to go out of town for a week. During that time, I was supposed to stay with meowmy’s parents because of my epilepsy. My first day at my grandpawrent’s home, I yowled nonstop clear into the night! Grandpaw and grandmaw couldn’t sleep, so finally at 3 a.m. they put me in a cage and brought me back to my house. I was immediately happy again! Fortunately, I didn’t have any problems recovering from a seizure.

3. I like it when meowmy or my grandpaw let me go into the backyard for supervised walks. I usually stay out for 5 or 10 minutes, and I love it when it’s warm and sunny outside!

4. I don’t like getting my feet dirty in the litter box, so instead of covering up my deposit, I scratch the side of the box when I’m done.

5. On meowmy’s bed in the evening, Entrechat & I often give each other head baths!

6. I have been to the vet so many times in my life, I don’t bother to yowl in the car anymore.

7. I have a bizarre interest in the photocopy machine. Whenever meowmy makes copies, I have to be right there beside her in the way, and I make funny mumbling sounds. MOL!

I tag:
Dusty
Joey
Kari
Cary
Stumpy
Mio
Mister Mickey

Love and Courage

Dear Diary,

I almost died 10 years ago.

As you may already know, meowmy rescued me on Oct. 24, 1997. She found me weak and emaciated. My meowmy trapped me and then began getting veterinary care for me. Even though I was very scared, she gave me medication for my URI and for ear mites. As I became stronger, I began getting my shots and was neutered. Things were really looking up! I was getting well, and I finally became tame about 3 days before my last scheduled vaccine! Meowmy was so happy when I decided to trust her and her father (my grandpaw)! On Jan. 12, 1998, I went to the vet for my FIP inoculation. This was supposed to be my last trip to the vet for a year!

Then on Jan. 13, 1998, meowmy got up early to get ready for work. In those days, I was still living in the playroom. She came down to feed me, and she was horrified to find me lying in the beanbag chair in a pool of urine and blood on the floor. I was barely able to breathe. Because she had to go to work, my grandpaw came and took me to the emergency vet. At lunchtime, my meowmy got off work and called the vet. He said it was likely that I wouldn’t make it, and if she wanted to see me, she should come now. She and grandpaw came to visit me in the hospital. I lifted my head just a little when she first came in, but I was still struggling to breathe. Meowmy talked quietly to me for an hour and stroked me very gently. She told the vet to call her first thing in the morning—no matter how early. Meowmy didn’t sleep at all that first night. And then the phone call came—I was alive! And I was doing a little bit better! Meowmy came to visit me again that next day, and after 2 1/2 days on IVs, I was well enough to come home!

Meowmy believes that I survived this ordeal because I finally had love in my life. And because I finally had something to live for, I had the courage to fight to stay alive!

Life is good!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

The Gift of a Purr

Today is Christmas Day! This morning before meowmy got up, we had a wonderful cuddle in bed, and I purred! Meowmy was reminded of the best Christmas present she ever received. That was 6 years ago.

As many of you may already know from my bio, I have epilepsy. For the first couple years of my life, I suffered from grand mal seizures every few weeks. Then my meowmy and my vet decided to start me on an anti-seizure drug called potassium bromide (KBr), which is easier on the liver than phenobarbital. KBr helped the seizure problem, but within a couple months, I started coughing a lot. At that time, scientists didn’t know that KBr wasn’t tolerated well by many cats. So I was put on various medications to help me breathe better. It was during this time—when my lungs were sick—that I quit purring. About a year later, data began to show a connection between KBr and lung problems in cats, and on July 17, 2001, I switched to phenobarbital. This began a long, slow, 6-month recovery of my lungs. Little by little I found myself coughing less, and I was gradually weaned off Theodur and prednisone. Halloween was my last dose. Finally getting off prednisone was a big help—I began to feel more like myself. But I still had no purr. Christmas Eve 2001 was the first time I purred in meowmy’s arms in over 1 1/2 years! Meowmy was so happy! She says it was the best Christmas present she has ever gotten!

Now I purr a lot—but not necessarily every day. Meowmy knows that when I purr, it is a moment to be cherished!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

Christmas Tagged by Jacob!

Hi! I’ve been tagged by Jacob!

Here are five things I want for Christmas:
1. A safe and healthy 2008 for my feline and human family and friends.
2. I want for me and Entrechat to keep weight on, and for Figaro and Belle to lose some weight. MOL!
3. I want for Entrechat and Antoine to stop getting so rambunctious with me and bopping me on the head.
4. Milk!
5. Lots of cuddles from meowmy!

I tag:
Dash
Filly the Swift of Rohan
Fred
Hattie
Queso

Still Beaming!

Dear Diary,

I am still beaming with joy about my big day yesterday! I am so happy that many Catsters came by to visit me and my family! Special thanks go to Meshew, Friggy, Skully and Oscar for their generous gifts! I wish all the kitties of the world were as lucky as my Catster friends and I! Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

My Big Day!

Dear Diary,

October 24, 2007 is the 10-year anniversary of my rescue and getting a loving fur-ever home! I am so lucky to have a meowmy who takes care of me as well as bro-furs and sis-furs who make my life fun and interesting! And today many of you Catsters helped me celebrate my big day! Thank you Charlie Clarence, Zack, Teddy, Hannah, Sophie, Lucy, Chloe, Punkin Pooh and Arwen for visiting me and my family during the festivities! Now it's time to eat some tuna! Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

Three Days and Counting!

Dear Diary,

I am so excited! In just three days it will be my ten-year anniversay of being rescued from homelessness and imminent death!

On October 24, 1997, meowmy found me emaciated and weak in her front yard. Then meowmy started getting medical care for me. A couple months later I almost died from a reaction and a seizure following an inoculation. Meowmy found out that I have epilepsy. I started taking an anti-seizure drug that was easy on the liver, but it didn't yet have a proven track record in cats. That drug—potassium bromide—made my lungs sick, and I almost died a second time. (Now it is common veterinary knowledge that KBr doesn't work well in many cats.) In the summer of 2001, I started taking phenobarbital twice a day, and I am doing extremely well! I am healthy and happy, and I have been seizure-free for over 6 1/2 years!

Because of all the medical problems I had early in my life, my meowmy never expected to have me at this ripe old age of 10! I am so grateful to be alive, well and loved! On Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, my human and feline family and friends will celebrate a wonderful 10 years with me! Purrs to you all!

Sincerely,
Mathis der Meowler

I've Been Tagged!

I’ve been tagged by Phoenix.

Here are the rules:
Each player starts with seven random facts about himself. Write in your diary about the seven random facts and the rules. Then choose seven cats to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment that they have been tagged and to read your diary!

1. My full name is Mathis der Meowler. I am named after the German Renaissance painter, Mathis Neithardt, also known as Matthias Gothart Grünewald. You see, the 20th-century composer, Paul Hindemith, wrote a beautiful symphony called “Mathis der Mahler” (Mathis the Painter). This piece is based on themes from his opera “Mathis der Mahler” in which Matthias Grünewald is the protagonist. Therefore, I am named after Mathis Neithardt!

2. I am definitely a Meowler! I may be a small kitty, but my voice can be deep and loud. Actually, I have a sizeable vocabulary of meowls, yowls, growls (at the vet), moans, groans, mumbles, grumbles, trills, purrs, chirps, quacks and croaks.

3. I announce myself every time I enter a room or jump up onto a piece of furniture. I do this, so I won’t accidentally surprise anyone. As you may already know, I am the world’s biggest (smallest?) wuss-puss. Fortunately, none of the other cats consider me a threat, so as long as I don’t surprise anyone, I’m safe!

4. Meowmy says that, because of me, she now fully understands the etymology of the word “nosey.” It’s true! I am always sticking my nose into other cats’ “business.” Fortunately, I am a no-threat wuss-puss, so I can get away with this behavior.

5. It is very important to me to be close to my meowmy at night. In the warm months, I sleep by her side on top of the bed. But in the winter, when it gets cold at night, she lets me come underneath the blankets where it is nice and warm!

6. I love my little cat pole in the music room. It is basically a small round bed on top of a sisal-wrapped base. Meowmy loves to watch me jump up on this cat pole, because I go around and around in circles trying to find the purr-fect position to sleep.

7. You may already know from my profile that I have epilepsy. I used to have horrible grand mal seizures about once a month. Even though I don’t like going to the vet, I am glad my meowmy loves me so much, that she gets medical care for me. She gives me a small dose of phenobarbital twice a day, and I have been seizure-free for over 6 1/2 years! Hooray! Life is good!

I tag:
Tommy
Zack
Sven
Zane Gray
Belle
Figaro
Kragen